Why Brussels is excluded from the Israel-Hamas peace talks
Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks are hanging by a thread, despite months of brokering from Qatar, Egypt and the United States. Talks are stalling over how far Israeli troops should withdraw, according to what an informed US official told the Associated Press.Despite contributing over €500 million in humanitarian aid to Palestinians over the past 25 years—and pledging another €120 million—the EU still doesn’t have a seat at the table.So, why isn't Brussels be part of the peace process?In this episode, host Giada Santana speaks with Relief International Gaza Program Manager Yara Mowafy about the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. To analyze the EU's involvement, she interviews ECFR Middle East expert Hugh Lovatt.
17 Jan 19min
The EU’s next move as Big Tech gets behind Trump
The incoming Trump presidency is changing the rules of the game for big tech compliance with digital EU regulation. Meta axed its fact-checking team in the United States, while Google did similarly in the EU. On X, Musk now wields the platform as a political megaphone.The potential political ramifications – particularly in terms of misinformation and political interference – are hard to gauge. What tools does the world’s most powerful regulatory force have to shield online users from harm?In this episode, host Giada Santana and tech reporter Anupriya Datta discuss X and Meta's latest developments and whether the DSA can hold them accountable.
16 Jan 15min
Unpacking the Polish Presidency with diplomat Sobkowiak-Czarnecka
For the next six months, Poland will chair the Presidency of the Council of the EU and coordinate the 27 member states under the motto ‘Security, Europe!’. But even just convincing countries to agree on what security means will be extremely difficult. So, how is the Polish presidency preparing for its mandate? "The big task for the Polish presidency will be to foster unity in terms of sending support, money, and equipment to Ukraine," said Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka, Poland's EU affairs undersecretary. But looking at the last years, not all members are on the same page. In this episode, host Giada Santana interviews Sobkowiak-Czarnecka to find out how Poland plans to steer its presidency.
15 Jan 11min
Why Russia wants to leave the Baltics in the dark
Leaders meet today to coordinate on how to better defend the Baltic Sea after the latest incident saw the cutting of four internet and one power transmission cable on Christmas day. EU officials suspect Russia is behind the sabotage. If they are right, this attack marks a step up in the Kremlin’s hybrid warfare strategy. "Towards the end at least of the Cold War, everyone learned the rules. Now, we are much less certain of what the other side wants to communicate”, said historian Vladislav Zubok,"and that for me, is rather disconcerting".In this episode, host Giada Santana analyzes the latest cable-cutting incident with defense editor Aurelie Pugnet and energy & climate reporter Niko Kurmayer. Expert Vladislav Zubok chimes in to draw parallels between now and the Cold War
14 Jan 24min
How Austria’s new leader could test the EU and what Brussels can do to push back
The bloc of populists within the European Union might soon expand to include Austria. Herbert Kickl is likely to become Austria’s next Chancellor. Until recently, even his own party thought he was too extreme for the job. Now, his rise comes at a crucial time for Europe’s security concerns, especially given the politician’s favorable stance towards the Kremlin. But Brussels has more than one tool to retaliate. How did Austria get here? And what might Kickl’s leadership mean for the future of the country—and the EU? In this episode, host Giada Santana interviews Karnitschnig to discuss Austria’s political shift and its implications for Europe.
13 Jan 16min
Top10. How Musk’s White House appointment could test the EU
In this episode, we revisit a significant development in the transatlantic tech landscape: Elon Musk’s controversial appointment as head of the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and its potential impact on EU-US relations.Host Giada Santana and Euractiv's Eliza Gritski explore the EU’s probe into X, the implications of Musk’s new role, and what this means for the future of EU digital policy and transatlantic relations.[Note: This episode was originally published on Nov 18th.]
10 Jan 16min
Top10. The climate ambitions of the next EU commission
In this episode, we look back at a critical development in Europe’s green agenda: Teresa Ribera’s appointment by President von der Leyen to steer Europe’s green transition while ensuring its competitiveness.Host Giada Santana and Environment hub editor Donagh Cagney delve into the commissioner nominees and discuss the future of EU energy and environment policy.[Note: This episode was originally published on Sep 19th.]
9 Jan 14min
Top10. Von der Leyen launches new EU commission with surprising picks
In this episode, we revisit a pivotal moment in EU politics: Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s unveiling of her proposed team of European Commissioners.Host Evi Kiorri speaks with politics reporter Nicoletta Ionta to unpack the implications of these changes for EU governance.[Note: This episode was originally published on Sep 18th.]
8 Jan 14min
